Charles IV and Prague – 700 years (brochure, PDF)

Charles IV and
Prague – 700 years
When all roads led
to Prague
Title: Charles IV and Prague – 700 years
When all roads led to Prague
Text: Prague City Tourism, Petr Kučera
Photo: Prague City Tourism, Luděk Sládek
Mapping: IPR Praha
Graphic design and typesetting: Dynamo design s.r.o.
Print: Agentura Bravissimo
Total print run: 25,000 copies
Prague 2016
Not For Sale
Prague City Tourism
Arbesovo nám. 70/4 / Prague 5 / 150 00 / CZ
www.prague.eu
www.charlesivinprague.com
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Contents
2
Welcome to the Prague of Charles IV
4
The life of Charles IV in key dates
6
Notable events to mark 700 years since the birth of Charles IV
11
Prague Castle and surroundings
14
Map of the Centre of Prague
17
Prague’s bridge of Charles IV
19
The Old Town
23
The New Town and Vyšehrad
Welcome to the Prague of Charles IV
Welcome to the Prague of Charles IV
Welcome to the Prague
of Charles IV
safeguard Luxembourg interests. This also called on his military
know-how, swordsmanship and weapon-wielding, horse riding, and
combat tactics.
The charm and the magic of Prague might seem to a visitor as
the cumulated works of chance, like a beautiful human face.
That is not quite the case, however, and one could almost say
that Prague largely bears the hallmark of one man – the Czech
King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, born in 1316. During
his reign, Prague became the Imperial seat that the gazes of
the whole of Europe were turned to. Get to know the wondrous
legacy this exceptional personage of Czech and European history
bequeathed to Prague – on the occasion of 700 years since his
birth you have a unique opportunity to do so.
Diplomat and Emperor
An educated European and a devout
Christian
Charles IV (1316–1378), King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor,
was one of the greatest European statesmen. His remarkable
persona is a meld of seeming contradictions. This ambitious ruler,
excellent diplomat and patron of the arts was also a harshly
pragmatic realist. Yet he was a true European, at ease with German,
French and Italian culture, too.
A Přemyslid after his mother Elizabeth, a Luxembourg after his
father John. The family roots of Charles IV reach to the beginnings
of the Přemyslid dynasty in Bohemia, but also to the first French
kings and even to Charlemagne at the head of the medieval Roman
Empire.
Charles met with political acclaim especially after he became King of
the Romans. He was a constant reminder of the fact that diplomacy
and political negotiation were his strong suit. He almost incessantly
took a say in conflict situations, always with the overall aim to reach
a compromise, often with the help of matrimonial politics.
Life in Europe was influenced by many circumstances. Among the
most important was the move of the Papal seat from Rome to
Avignon. That was not something Charles considered appropriate,
and he made returning the Pope back to Rome one of his objectives.
After all, he himself had in April 1355 gone to the ‘eternal city’ to
accept the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, which also
formally made him the first among men of the then world.
Neither France, weakened by armed conflict with England, nor
Spain, faced with its Reconquista, nor the weak for the time Grand
Duchy of Moscow could pose a threat to Charles’ plans for the
Realm. Its stability was strengthened, inter alia, by the codification
of Imperial rule in legal codex form, The Golden Bull of Charles IV.
Likewise, he attended to economic prosperity, education and cultural
development.
Charles IV laid down sound foundations for the common good of
Europe and remains an inspirational figure to this day.
Charles IV was born on 14 May 1316 in Prague. At that time, Europe
was the centrepiece of the known world in the minds of Europeans,
without any inkling of the existence of an American continent, and
the most powerful country at the time was France. It was right there
that Charles’ education began. He found himself at the French Royal
Court, as ruled by Charles IV the Fair, “le Bel”. As his ward, he had
his own teacher-guardians, opening before him a path to extensive
education, as well as notable political and personal contacts. His
friends included e.g. the future Pope Clement VI. Last but not least,
Charles brought back with him from Paris his first wife, the much
loved Blanche of the ascending royal line of Valois.
His all-round preparation for life continued in Luxembourg, on the
family earldom, where the adolescent heir to the throne was raised
by his authoritarian great uncle Balduin Archbishop of Trier. Charles
continued his studies in statecraft, added to his linguistic prowess,
as well as becoming fully conversant with courtly etiquette and
knightly virtues. In time, he was called over to Northern Italy by his
father John, where in a setting rife with intrigue he was to help him
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The life of Charles IV in key dates
The life of Charles IV in key dates
The life of Charles IV
in key dates
1310The Luxembourg dynasty ascends to the Czech throne
Eliška Přemyslovna marries John of Luxembourg
1342Pierre Roger becomes the new Pope Clement VI
1344Prague bishopric elevated to an archbishopric
1311John of Luxembourg’s coronation as Czech King
14/5/1316 Birth of Charles IV
1344–1346Political lobbying by the Luxembourgs to get Charles
the Holy Roman Crown
30/5/1316Christened with the traditional name of Czech kings –
as Václav (Wenceslas)
1323 Sent off to be educated in France
1323–1330Residing at the French Royal Court, upon his
confirmation took the name of his godfather, the
French King – Charles.
Engagement and marriage to Blanche of Valois, a
cousin of the French king
11/7/1346 Charles IV elected King of the Romans
26/11/1346 Coronation as King of the Romans in Bonn
2/9/1347Coronation as King of Bohemia in Prague, the making
of the St Wenceslas Crown, coronation ordinance
written
October 1347Triumphal procession introducing Charles IV to the
realm
8/3/1348 Prague New Town founded
7/4/1348 The University (today’s Charles University) founded
1330–1331 Residing and being raised in Luxembourg
1331Called up to join his father in Northern Italy, to help
him create a Northern Italian power base for the
Luxembourgs
March 1349Widowed Charles IV marries Anne of Bavaria
Charles IV crushes opposition in the realm
1331–1333Residing in Italy
The attempted poisoning of Charles by the Visconti
family of Milan
Charles’ first meeting with his younger brother John
Henry
Charles appointed as representative of John of
Luxembourg in Northern Italy
Charles founded the fortress of Montecarlo
25/7/1349 Coronation as King of the Romans in Aachen
27/5/1353Widowed a second time, Charles IV marries Anna of
Schweidnitz
6/1/1355 Lombardy coronation in Milano
5/4/1355 Imperial coronation in Rome
1355–1356Proclamation and adoption of the Roman codex
through the Imperial Golden Bull of Charles IV
25/11/1332 Battle of San Felice, Charles knighted
1333 Settled in the Old Town of Prague
1334Charles receives from his father the title of Margrave
of Moravia Charles is joined in Bohemia by his wife
Blanche of Valois
9/7/1357Charles IV lays the foundation stone for the
“stone bridge” (today‘s Charles Bridge)
26/2/1361Nuremberg becomes the birthplace of his longawaited son Wenceslas
1335Luxembourg power struggle over the Tyrol with
Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria
21/5/1363Marriage to Elizabeth of Pomerania in Krakow
May 1365Visit to Avignon, in an effort to convince Pope
Urban V to return to Rome
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1337Charles’ exploration through Hungary, Croatia and the
Adriatic to Tyrol, the war in Lombardy
1337–1339Altercation between Charles and John (son and
father) on the question of the mandate of the Czech
Kingdom, Charles’ attempt at tutelary rule in Tyrol to
help his brother John Henry
11/6/1341The Czech Provincial Assembly accepts and confirms
Margrave Charles as the future Czech King
1341Despite Luxembourg efforts, John Henry loses Tyrol
and the legacy of Henry of Carinthia; Charles tried in
1347 to get Tyrol back again, but without success
4/6/1365Coronation in Arles
14/2/1368Birth of Sigismund of Luxembourg
October 1368Charles’ 2nd journey to Rome, the Pope’s support for
his resettlement there
1370Brandenburg acquired
10/6/1376 Eldest son Wenceslas elected King of the Romans
1377–1378 Diplomatic mission to France
29/11/1378 Death of Charles IV in Prague
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Notable events to mark 700 years since the birth of Charles IV
Notable events to mark
700 years since the birth
of Charles IV
Throughout 2016 Prague will host a number of interesting
exhibitions, concerts, festivals and celebrations, thematically
connected with the life and times of Charles IV, the Czech King
and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, born 700 years ago this
May.
The most significant expo project
Emperor Charles IV 1316–2016
15 May – 25 September 2016 / The National Gallery in Prague Wallenstein Riding Hall, Carolinum /
A Bavarian-Czech exhibition will present Charles IV as an
extraordinary personage of European political and cultural history,
as a pious, educated, confident and far-sighted ruler who did
not hesitate to push his own agenda using a wide repertoire of
diplomatic means. The exhibition aims to depict Charles IV free of
the distorting layers of ideological prejudice and to offer the public
an all-round portrayal of this historical personage with his positive
and more sombre facets.
Notable events to mark 700 years since the birth of Charles IV
One of the most important exhibits in the exhibition will be the
Crown with which Charles IV was crowned King of the Romans. This
Crown will be on Czech territory for the first ever time. Also on their
first ever outing from the St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna are two
sculptures of Rudolf IV of Habsburg and his wife, the daughter of
Charles.
Exhibitions at Prague Castle
The Sceptre and the Crown
15 May – 28 September 2016 / Prague Castle – Imperial Stables /
The mainstay exhibition of the Charles IV commemorative events at
Prague Castle. The chief exhibit, exceptionally shown separately, will
be the Czech Royal Crown. For the first time in modern history it will
not be accompanied by the well known Renaissance insignia (orb
and sceptre) on display every five years, but by the Gothic insignia
that went with the Crown at the time of Charles, whose artistic
replicas were made for this exhibition using specific art restoration
techniques.
One of the unmistakable features of Charles’ concept of rule was
the systematic use of fine art and architecture to promote Imperial
Majesty. Charles IV entered the history books as one of the most
generous of art patrons and founders, at the same time as one of
the most often portrayed rulers in European medieval history.
The Persona of Charles IV will be reflected against the kaleidoscopic
backdrop of the broad cultural-historical realities of the time,
which in the 14th century encompassed e.g. climate change, crop
failures, plague epidemics, the Jewish pogroms and financial
crises. And it is precisely in this historical context with its many
obvious pitfalls that we shall be seeing an admirable flowering of
Carolian art and architecture. Was life at the Imperial court quite
so divorced from the not always satisfactory reality of everyday
life surrounding the castle? How was Charles IV actually perceived
by his contemporaries? Where did the funds come from to cover
the lavish and costly imperial pomp and splendour? How are we to
understand the collecting of Holy relics, and what was the role of
art in the service of Charles’ imperial policy? The exhibition seeks
to answer these questions through 140 exhibits of diverse artistry
and craftsmanship as well as through cultural-historical and archival
documents, on loan from many European and American museums,
ecclesiastical and private collections.
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The Crown of the Kingdom
15 May – 28 September 2016 / Prague Castle – Riding Hall /
An exposition to give symbolic access to the internal and external
triforium of the Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert in
their simplified spatial reconstruction. The triforium is historically
the most secure, off-limits, sculpturally richly decorated gallery on
the outer and inner side of the nave of the Cathedral. In this showy
exhibit visitors will find even the funeral vestments from the royal
tomb, as well as getting sight of the royal busts in original form with
the gold and polychromatic finish originally intended.
The Crown without a King
15 May – 28 September 2016 / Prague Castle – The Old Royal
Palace /
Visitors are taken on a tour of modern history via by the ‘Crown
without a King’ exhibit, on show in the Romanesque cellar of the Old
Royal Palace, the site where the Crown jewels were walled-up during
7
Notable events to mark 700 years since the birth of Charles IV
World War II. It presents the tale of these most valuable artefacts of
nationhood during the dramatic 20th century, from the formation of
Czechoslovakia in 1918 until the year 1968.
The Crown of the Mother of Cities
15 May – 28 September 2016 / Prague Castle – Theresian wing
of the Old Royal Palace /
The exhibition will focus on the Cathedral as the foremost edifice
in the country. Presented will be the activities of the ‘Association
for completion of the Cathedral’, and information on its prominent
members. Also on display will be photographs from the Prague
Castle archives, taken in the course of building completion in the
19th and 20th centuries, and some artefacts from the completion of
the Cathedral.
The Crown in the Palm of your Hand
15 May – 28 September 2016 / Prague Castle – Rosenberg Palace /
An exhibition to take the visitor through not only the reign of
Charles IV, showing the Prague Groschen as the Kingdom of
Bohemia’s enduring coin. The exhibition will be based around the
history of silver processing and gold plating techniques. The visitor
will also learn, inter alia, what face value the coin had, and what it
could buy.
Architecture for the Crown
15 May – 10 October 2016 / Prague Castle – Monastery
of St George /
An interactive exhibition particularly for children, showing
architecture in the Charles IV era. This will take place in cooperation
with the organizers of the international artistic-architectural project
‘The Playful Architect’, whose aim is to bring closer to children the
historical architecture of their city, to teach them about architectural
heritage, why it matters to care about it, and for it.
From 15 to 29 May the Czech Crown jewels will be exhibited in the
Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle.
Other Events
Medieval festivities at Prague Castle
July and August 2016 / Prague Castle – Deer Moat /
Knightly weekends in the beautiful environment of the upper Deer
Moat of Prague Castle presenting the life of medieval knights and
jousting tournaments from the days of Charles IV.
The Mystery of the Tower
from 1 April 2016 / The City of Prague Museum – Old Town Bridge
Tower /
The main exhibit of the new permanent exhibition will be the tower
itself, its inner spaces, dungeons, stairs, roof and especially the
gallery platform with its wonderful view. The Old Town Bridge Tower
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Notable events to mark 700 years since the birth of Charles IV
belongs among the most impressive Gothic works in Prague, and
was personally commissioned by Charles IV to be built along with
the bridge, to a design by Petr Parléř. The tower was ultimately
conceived as a symbolic triumphal arch, through which Czech Kings
would pass on their coronation procession through the city, heading
for the Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert at Prague
Castle. The symbolism of the whole edifice and of its decoration
is an important cultural phenomenon in the history of Prague’s
medieval architecture, hence the new exposition focuses on this
aspect, highlighting the connection between the construction
and artistic expression in the conceptual setting of its time. The
exposition will present the historical and contextual interlinking
between the existence of the tower, Charles Bridge and their vicinity
and the circumstances that led to both heritage monuments being
built.
Civitas Carolina or Building in the Times of Charles IV
13 May 2016 – 8 January 2017 / National Technical Museum /
The main exhibition hall will present building crafts, at the time of
the great building boom during the reign of Charles IV. On show
will be a series of historical building elements and construction
procedures, for example, a functioning replica of the medieval
human-power driven wooden hoist, whose design is based on the
drawing in the Bible of King Wenceslas IV. Among other examples
of large construction machinery will be a fully functional replica of
a Gothic pile driver used for driving/hammering wooden pilot posts
into the foundations of buildings or bridges.
Commemorative service of worship in honour of Charles IV
14 May 2016 / Prague Castle – Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas
and Adalbert /
Pontifical mass held on the 700th birthday of Charles IV, who was,
among other things, actively engaged in the spiritual revival of
the Czech lands. The mass will be attended by Statesmen, Church
leaders and foreign guests.
A Tribute to Charles IV
17 May 2016 / Prague Castle – Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas
and Adalbert /
The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra will mark the anniversary of
Charles IV with a concert in St Vitus Cathedral. The program was
conceived to celebrate this great ruler with dignity, majesty and
sensitivity. Under the baton of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
chief conductor Jiří Bělohlávek we’ll hear the Petr Eben composition
aptly named A Tribute to Charles IV, the symphonic poem Praga by
Josef Suk and the Te Deum by Antonín Dvořák.
The History of Charles University
until 31 December 2017 / Carolinum /
An exhibition in the vast underground vaults of the Carolinum
opened on the occasion of the 667th anniversary of the founding of
Charles University. Presented here are the inception Charter of the
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Notable events to mark 700 years since the birth of Charles IV
University and copies of the University seal as well as sceptres and
artefacts marking historical milestones: e.g. the schools changed
greatly under the Josephinist reforms; the split of the University into
Czech and German parts; the inception of Czechoslovakia or the fall
of the Communist regime.
The exhibition is divided into several parts mapping out the
University’s progress – from the Utraquist, through ‘CharlesFerdinand’ and Charles University today. Also recollected are
notable personae associated with the University, e.g. the biologist
and physiologist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, the renowned physicist
Albert Einstein or the Nobel Prize for Chemistry laureate Jaroslav
Heyrovský.
Prague Spring 2016: Tiburtina Ensemble
18 May 2016 / National Gallery in Prague – Monastery of St Agnes
of Bohemia /
The Tiburtina female vocal ensemble with the Swiss counter-tenor
Terry Wey presents a programme subtitled Reverence for the Virgin
Mary in the 14th century. At the core is the Messe de Nostre Dame
(Mass to the Virgin Mary) by the medieval master Guillaume de
Machaut (circa 1300–1377), who was much connected with the
Czech lands. This composer was active from 1323 for a full 17 years
as Secretary serving the Czech King John of Luxembourg. The
programme adds to his works with monophonic Marian chants from
Czech sources of Charles’ time.
Prague Spring 2016: Graindelavoix
19 May 2016 / Na Slovanech (Emmaus) Monastery /
The Belgian ensemble Graindelavoix performs the “Cyprus Vespers”
– vocal compositions from the Turin manuscript from the late 14th
and the first half of the 15th century, where Gothic chants meet
the Byzantine vocal tradition and the Maronite (Lebanon) Catholic
Church. This music will appropriately enough be heard within the
walls of the Emmaus monastery, where Charles IV let the rites be
done in Old Church Slavonic.
A Musical medley on the Luxembourg theme
11 May 2016 / Old Town Square /
A concert in honour of Charles IV performed by the Prague
Symphony Orchestra.
Prague Castle and surroundings
Prague Castle
and surroundings /1/
During the reign of Charles IV Prague became his Imperial seat.
Its most important aspect was Prague Castle, commanding the
rocky promontory above the River Vltava. Naturally enough,
the monarch paid most attention to this particular locality. The
experience from his youthful years at the French Royal Court,
in the Italian Signoria or the lavish Archbishopric of Trier, made
Charles wish to combine security with a pleasant ambiance,
to be enveloped with beauty and riches. The power- and
political centre of the Holy Roman Empire had to be a dignified,
representative and impressive place for incoming visitors.
Prague Castle III. Courtyard
Prague Castle dominates Prague’s panorama. The main historical
part is that of the III. courtyard, lined with buildings of the Old Royal
Palace, the All Saints Chapel, the Black Tower, and medieval wall
remnants. The life of the Imperial Court was centred right here.
Diplomats, artists, craftsmen, envoys from the imperial cities found
“their King” ready to give audiences. At the same time, however,
the monarch was mindful of his exclusive status and expected due
respect. Charles IV was able to combine within the Castle walls a
perfect blend of secular and ecclesiastical power. The silhouette of
the Gothic Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert stands in
witness.
The Cathedral of Sts Vitus, Wenceslas and Adalbert
The monumental form of the Cathedral at first glance tells of its
spiritual significance for Czech statehood. It became not only the
Coronation venue for Czech Kings and Queens, but also the most
appropriate place for the safekeeping of the newly crafted Crown
and crown jewels. The laying of the foundation stone of the Gothic
building on the site of an earlier rotunda and basilica in 1344 was no
accident. It was closely tied to the Prague bishopric being elevated
to an Archdiocese, which was one of the major achievements of
Charles’ policymaking.
Coronation Festivities
3–4 September 2016 / Vyšehrad, Old Town Square, and other
places in the historical centre /
A reenactment of the coronation of Charles IV and his wife, Blanche
of Valois, investing them with the titles of King and Queen of
Bohemia. With a coronation procession through Prague, a feast at
the royal court, and a knights’ tournament in honour of the new King.
For more supplemented and updated information go to www.charlesivinprague.com.
Content subject to change
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Prague Castle and surroundings
The French Gothic inspiration is clearly evident. The first Master
builder, Matthias of Arras built the choir with ambulatory chapels,
then Petr Parléř added the span and built the cultural centre of the
temple – the chapel of St Wenceslas, followed by the Golden Gate
and part of the main tower. For centuries, the Cathedral remained
incomplete. What began in the times of Charles was added to, and
only finished in the 20th century.
Among the most highly prized parts of the cathedral is the Golden
Gate – the ceremonial entrance to the temple from the III. courtyard,
which is adorned with the original mosaic of the Last Judgement
including the matchless rendition of Emperor Charles IV and his
wife Elizabeth of Pomerania. Another portrait of the monarch can
be found in the chapel of St Wenceslas. The beautiful decoration
and distinctive architectural conception emphasize the uniqueness
of the place, standing over the grave of the land’s most notable
of patrons, St Wenceslas. The wall covering of gold leaf, set with
precious stones and wall paintings depicting the Passion form part
of the original decorations from the 14th century. Later additions
show scenes from the life of St Wenceslas, ascribed to the Master
who authored the altar of Litoměřice.
The triple span of the nave and aisles is modern, but made to the
original medieval plans. The Gothic tombs in chapels around the
choir were made to Charles’ bidding, as a dignified resting place for
his Přemyslid ancestors. Busts of Royal family members, including
the Emperor himself, are featured in the inner gallery of the
cathedral, called the triforium. The underground Royal Tomb holds
the remains of Charles IV and other Czech Kings.
Prague Castle and surroundings
cognisant of his own sins, he was prone to showy piety and missed
no opportunity to obtain such relics. The high degree of artistic
craftsmanship, the lavish implementation, these are a perfect
expression of the personality of Charles IV. Outstanding among
the most precious objects is the gold relic cross, the reliquary arm
of St George or the onyx bowl and tower reliquary of St Catherine.
Historic within the Treasury were the Crown jewels, created to
honour St Wenceslas. Don‘t miss the opportunity to see this rare
treasury with your own eyes. It is located in the Chapel of the Holy
Cross in the second courtyard.
The Old Royal Palace
The Emperor’s court and palace were in the immediate vicinity of
the Cathedral. At the time of Charles’ permanently relocation to
Prague, the situation at Prague Castle was not ideal. The original
palace of the early medieval building style was far from apt for the
demands of royal entertainment and life. The result of the rigorous
reconstruction has not survived to this day, but the Old Royal Palace
has a whole Gothic floor to offer the visitor, which was originally
intended to house the Queen. Although Charles’ audience rooms
are gone, their place taken by today’s Vladislav Hall, at least some
details can be seen, e.g. remnants of the Oriel Chapel, the ground
floor Gothic arcades, or the hypostyle hall, there to remind us.
The monumentality of the temple is witnessed by its scale: 124
metres long, 60 metres wide at the transept, 33 metres high
vaulting, with the main tower standing 96.5 metres tall.
The St Vitus Treasury
The unique role of the Cathedral is also borne out by its ecclesiastical
treasury. Many rare pyxes with saintly relics have been preserved
from Charles’ time. The Emperor was an avid collector. Perhaps
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Prague Castle and surroundings
Chapel of All Saints
Alongside his residence reconstruction, Charles also had built a
new Chapel of All Saints. The compact regal chapel for the secluded
contemplation of kings was replaced by a free-standing sanctuary,
in which Charles IV founded the collegiate chapter in 1339. This
supremely Gothic edifice built by the Parléř Stoneworks was inspired
by the Sainte Chapelle in Paris. The great fire of the Lesser Town and
Hradčany in 1541 sadly caused much damage to this grand work, so
we cannot admire the original building details any more. The long
languishing interim condition was remedied by the sister of Emperor
Rudolf II, Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria, who decided to finance a
partial rebuild.
Prague’s bridge of Charles IV
part of his urbanistic plans. The original township of Hradčany and
the Lesser Town of Prague with it were an important access route
to, and trade infrastructure for the Imperial residence. Close by was
the Premonstratensian Monastery in Strahov. Charles IV decided
to expand, secure and fit-out his immediate surroundings. He
substantially increased the adjacent castle grounds connecting to
Petřín Hill and around it, and right down to the River he erected the
so-called Hunger Wall /2/. Why the “hunger”? The marl wall was
to strengthen the defences of the city and of the residential seat. It
was built at a time of raging famine in Bohemia. According to lore,
Charles secured subsistence for many of the city’s poor, given them
work on the construction site.
St George’s Basilica
Charles IV also turned his attention to other buildings on Prague
Castle grounds. True to the tradition and role of the Přemyslid
family he so proudly belonged to, the King arranged for the Chapel
of St Ludmila over the grave of this first Patron Saint of Czech
statehood, in the Basilica of St George. Again it was the Parléř
Stoneworks that took care of the implementation. The new Gothic
level of the Chapel, its vaulting, the tombstone with the recumbent
Saint and the wall paintings are of great artistic merit.
The Lesser Town below the Castle, being the seat of the Archbishop
and the Knights of St John of Jerusalem (Church of Our Lady
beneath the Chain) /3/ was a key part of Charles’ power-base. For
the sake of developing the city, however, there was a need to bring
together both banks of the Vltava River. Charles IV took care of this
with his usual panache.
The Old Burgrave House and Black Tower
There is one more location at Prague Castle closely linked with King
Charles. These are the old castle Burgrave’s quarters, where the
young monarch spent his first months after returning to Bohemia
in late 1333, and some years after. This site near the Black Tower
became a temporary substitute residence for the uninhabitable
Royal Palace. Its stronghold-style, less-than-cosy architecture
offered no luxury, but was a new home for Charles nevertheless.
Prague’s bridge
of Charles IV
Prague Castle has remained a symbol of Czech statehood for more
than a millennium. The reign of Charles IV belongs to its most
important epochs.
The Stone heart of Prague – the famous bridge which has been
like a magnet for figural sculptors and poets alike. We walk
across the bridge aware of the famed many who have done
so before us since the 14th century, in the sure hope that this
architectural gem of Charles IV will last for times to come. Yet
this beautiful monument did not start out as anything more than
a vital connection of two riverbanks beneath Prague Castle. The
residential town of the Czech Kings and its inhabitants needed
to cross the River with dry feet. The requirement was clear, but
its solution far from simple.
Hradčany and the Lesser Town
Charles didn’t confine his attention only to the Castle. The Hradčany
district and beneath the battlements, today‘s Lesser Town, were
Judith’s Bridge
Apart from the fording points across the river and a wooden bridge,
unfit to face the vagaries of the weather, Prague did in fact have its
16
17
Prague’s bridge of Charles IV
first real stone bridge already in the 12th century. The idea for the
bridge may have come from Daniel, the Bishop of Prague, but the
sponsor was the Přemyslid king Vladislav and, in particular, his wife
Judith of Thuringia, hence the bridge so named. The construction,
finished in 1172, survived without mishap until the great flood of
February 1342, overcome by water which shocked with “... vastness
and thickness of ice...”. From this point, the city had to make do with
a makeshift solution. At last, a new bridge was being built.
Charles Bridge /4/
The Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV was well aware
how important a river crossing can be. Finally, on 9 July 1357 the
foundation stone was laid, for a technically extremely demanding
construction. Why not sooner? Maybe because the project was
financially too demanding. Because of it, the Czech Kingdom became
indebted for many years to come.
The Old Town
also find the antique sculptural portrait of Charles IV sitting a little
to one side with his son and successor Wenceslas, above the gate.
Wonderful details indicate that the whole entrance tower was also
made by Parléř Stoneworks and completed in the 1380s.
A stroll along Charles Bridge is one of the finest things to
experience. From here, the city lies beckoning, at your fingertips. It’s
hard to believe it was in its day open to cars and even tram traffic.
The statues looking down from the pillars attest the fact that at the
time of its founding father Charles IV, the only decorative statue
was Christ on the cross. Only much later were the sculptures added
whose mainly Baroque appearance tells of their era.
There is one statue, though, to be looked at closely. It is on the Old
Town bridgehead and portrays the famous co-author of the bridge –
Charles IV /5/. Why not make your homage to him!
Construction continued well under the leadership of Petr Parléř. The
young builder proved himself. Firstly, he had to avoid the remains of
the earlier bridge, so the River was bridged a few yards upstream.
To keep to the older bridge gate and tower on the Lesser Town side,
the bridge was built in a slight arc; 515.76 metres (564 yds) long and
9.5 metres (30 ft) wide. The sandstone bridge rests on 16 arches of
varying spans. Anchoring the pillars to millstones and oak slats was
the approach of the time, and the bridge crossing level was uniquely
some 13 metres (over 42 ft) above the waterline.
Everyone envisioned a beautiful and solid construction, built to
withstand all floods. Maybe this was why the legend arose that raw
eggs were mixed into the mortar, for maximal strength. Construction
continued for many years, but was not completed in Charles’
lifetime. Still, the funeral procession of the King and Emperor in 1378
had use of a near-completed bridge.
The Old Town
The winding streets of the Old Town and its tiny nooks and
crannies still recall how Prague used to be at the beginning of
the reign of Charles IV. It was a city surrounded by solid walls
and a moat, with a central market square, a fortified mercantile
courtyard and a City Hall, representing civic government; a solid
foundation for building a royal residence. It used to be called the
Great City of Prague, but also Mater Urbium, the Mother of Cities.
Although Charles’ urbanistic projects were very grand, he paid
attention to the Old Town in all respects. He expanded rights,
assured the citizenry against potential losses, guarded their
trade interests, supported the guilds. By instating higher
education he gave the Old Town lustre and privileged standing.
After a lot of thought the patron chosen for the bridge was St Vitus,
whose rendition dominated the representative entry point to the
bridge. It stands with others decorating the Old Town Bridge Tower,
a beautiful example of Prague’s Gothic architecture. Here we can
18
The House at the Stone Bell /6/
It was 1316, when the Old Town of Prague, perhaps even the House
at the Stone Bell saw the birth of the future King and Emperor
Charles IV. The wonderful house emblem and the Gothic façade
details hint of the once large manor house, probably belonging to
the Royal family. An ordinary burgher house would hardly be so
19
The Old Town
richly decorated, with a fine Chapel on the ground floor. Its own well,
inner courtyard, representational spaces in the tower of the House,
all of this attests to an exceptional place.
The Church of Our Lady before Týn /7/
This three-nave basilica with its two 80 m tall towers is an
outstanding landmark. This Church too was largely built after the
mid-14th century, with Court stoneworks participation and the
active support of Emperor Charles IV. The curious name of the
Church derives from the mercantile court and toll-house, known
as Týn or Ungelt. The supremely Gothic structure’s second phase
of construction was supervised by Petr Parléř, as seen from many
of the details. For example, the richly decorated windows, chancel
and its arcade, but especially the architecture and decoration of the
monumental north portal leading to Týn Lane bear the unmistakable
Parléř touch. The carved relief plates in the tympanum belong
among the very best of Czech sculptural masonry. They illustrate
the passion scenes of flagellation and crowning with thorns, and the
crucifixion of Christ.
The Old Town
candles. It was here that people came to honour the memory of
their King.
Although the Church no longer has the original Gothic interior, its
ground-plan is of the three-nave basilica and choir. The monastery
cloister and former summer refectory attest to the high level artistic
professionalism of Charles’ time.
The U Štupartů House /9/
Near the Church of St Jacob there once stood a great court,
U Štupartů, known for being a residence of the Royal family and
Charles himself. It would seem that after his return to Bohemia in
1333 the young and politically ambitious royal heir-apparent spent a
few months and made key decisions here.
The interior of the temple is a veritable art gallery with an
outstanding Gothic pewter baptismal font, the oldest in Prague,
decorated with embossed figures of the Apostles, the Gothic
stone pulpit, or the two sediles with consoles shaped as crowned
heads. Singular woodcarvings are to be seen in the Calvary and the
Seated Madonna, both dating from 1410. Although the Church has
undergone many subsequent modifications, it is ever linked to the
time of Charles IV.
The Church of St James and the Franciscan Minorite Convent /8/
Another place inextricably linked with Emperor Charles IV is the
Minorite Convent with the Church of St James. The supremely
Gothic structure of the Church began construction in the reign of
Charles’ parents, John and Elizabeth, who even celebrated their
royal coronation there, but completion dates to as late as 1374. The
importance of the shrine was confirmed when it came to the death
of the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor. It was here that the
body of Charles lay in State surrounded by five hundred burning
20
Relics and the Church of St Gall /10/
Charles IV was famed for his collecting Holy relics and their
reverent deposition in artistically made pyxes. He also managed
to get a part of the skull of St Gall, directly in the monastery of
St Gallen in Switzerland. On 29 September 1353 Charles personally
gave the Church Plebanus this relic in a gold and silver reliquary.
No wonder that the monarch had a weakness for this Old Town
Church of St Gall. After all, we know he commissioned its Gothic
reconstruction, and celebrated his glorious coronation here, when on
2 September 1347 he and Blanche de Valois were finally crowned as
Czech rulers.
The Chapel of the Old Town Hall /11/
Our journey of discovery of Prague in Charles’ time next leads to
the middle of the Old Town Square. It is hard to leave unnoticed the
almost 70 metres high tower of the Old Town Hall, which hosts the
famous Prague astronomical clock with its astrolabe and enchanting
figurines of the 12 Apostles.
The Town Hall Tower and its Marian Chapel, facing with its Oriel
window onto the big market square, are once again the work of the
courtly stoneworks. The Chapel used to be an indivisible part of what
was the Town Hall proper, or Wolflin House, where the councillors
and Burgermeister sat deciding the city’s weighty matters.
21
The Old Town
The Chapel itself came into being shortly after the tower was
finished, and was consecrated in 1381. Its space is formed by the
nave in the corpus of the Tower, complete with richly decorated
five-sided Oriel, one of the finest works of Charles’ court architect
Petr Parléř. He was also responsible for the remarkable corner-piece
statue, known as the Old Town Madonna. It is a fine example of
the high standard of Czech sculptural work at the end of the 14th
century, as are other relief elements, themed with human faces and
animals.
The New Town and Vyšehrad
not, at first, a building, but an institution, the oldest founded North
of the Alps. Step by step, the Colleges of the four University faculties
were founded: law, medicine, theology and the arts (the seven liberal
arts), all on the territory of the Old Town.
The prime symbol of the University is, however, the Carolinum, i.e.
Charles’ College, originally the house of Rotlev, the Master of the
Mint. Its medieval palace architecture built of rough brick and stone,
with a preserved Cloister ambulatory, an Oriel Chapel and other
Gothic details are world-class.
And what came next...
Charles’ IV interest in developing his residential seat went beyond
the existing city walls. Two major inceptions – of the “Coronation”
Church of Our Lady of the Snows, and of the Slavic Benedictines’
Monastery in the year 1347 foreshadowed that the monarch’s most
important edict was yet to come: to create a city, whose size and
importance would aspire to Christ’s Jerusalem.
The Church of St Giles /12/
The Church of St Giles, also founded by Charles, is quite
unmistakable. It stands proud of its Old Town surroundings even
today. We can easily imagine how astounding it must have seemed
at the time Charles IV sponsored this Gothic edifice, to go with the
collegiate chapter he established.
The monumental triple nave was built on the site of an earlier
Romanesque church and consecrated in May 1371 by Archbishop Jan
Očko of Vlašim, in the presence of Charles IV himself, his Lady and
the whole Court.
The history of the temple is associated with interesting events, a
noteworthy fact being that even during Charles’ reign it was already
a venue for the sermons of John Milíč of Kroměříž, the most notable
preacher of the pre-Hussite reformation period. This was most
certainly evidence of the broad-mindedness and spiritual diversity of
Charles’ Prague.
Following an extensive Baroque refit the interior lost much of its
Gothic style, but from the outside this spiritual sanctuary’s details,
such as the original Gothic portal, still speak of 14th century
architecture.
Carolinum – Charles University /13/
The Old Town holds one more important first – on 7 April 1348 it
became a seat of higher learning, the University of Prague. This was
22
The New Town and
Vyšehrad – Prague
as a European Capital
The intention to establish a New Town of Prague was
implemented by Charles IV only after careful preparation. Its
founding Charter was issued on 8 March 1348 and just a few
weeks later, attended by the Monarch and many guests from
the Empire, the foundation stone of the new town fortifications
was laid. The Gothic fortifications, stretching almost 3.5 km in
length, with twenty-four defensive towers and four gates, were
completed in just two years.
The New Town is one of the greatest medieval establishments in
Europe whose generosity drew on the ancient principles of city
building, about a hundred years before their resurgence under
the Italian Renaissance. Prague became in size, administrative
and economic security and its number of places of worship, the
third most important city in Europe. The principles of founding
the New Town meant much more to Charles IV, as a palpable
manifestation of Heavenly Jerusalem.
Heavenly Jerusalem
While Charles IV surely considered extending his residence
important, even more important was the effort to build a new
Jerusalem, a place medieval mysticism deemed the ideal city, the
dwelling place of the redeemed. This intention corresponded to
the thoughtful layout of squares and church buildings, and their
distinctiveness. The five New Town churches are located at regular
intervals which, when viewed from above, mark out a cruciform
23
The New Town and Vyšehrad
blessing of the city. Also the consecration of each shrine, which links
Prague with key imperial cities, shows Charles’ aim to make Prague
the Capital of the Holy Roman Empire and the Centre of secular
government in the Christian world. The sacred halo of the New
Town was crowned in 1350 with the transfer of the Imperial Crown
jewels to Prague. The jewels, along with rare relics then were always
displayed on the first Sunday after Good Friday to large crowds
of the faithful at the New Town cattle market, today’s Karlovo
(Charles’) Square. Perhaps it was already then the intent to build for
this purpose the exceptionally showy Chapel of Corpus Christi, albeit
its implementation was left to the next generation.
Church of Our Lady of the Snows /14/
A sign of the future intention to found the town was the founding of
the Carmelites monastery with the Church of Our Lady of the Snows.
Charles IV founded it together with his wife, Blanche of Valois,
the day after coronation as Czech King, on 3 September 1347. The
sovereign bequeathed land and timber for the construction of the
Church and the monastic buildings. Indeed, he deployed the material
left from the temporary constructions for the coronation banquet.
Yet, of the monumental temple conceived in the project, which was
to have a total length of 100 metres, by 1397 only the chancel had
been built, rising to a height of almost 40 metres, over the roofs of
New Town houses. The temple was to have become the dominant
feature of Prague’s towns on the right bank, which Charles sought
to unite. Also interesting was the consecration of the Church, which
linked it to Rome’s basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, symbolic of the
spiritual bond between Prague and Rome. Further construction was
halted by the Hussite wars. The Carmelitans eventually returned,
too late to save this shrine, which was in a very bad condition. Its
current form dates from the 17th century, at the onset of which
Rudolf II chose to cede the monastery to the Franciscan order. They
then managed to repair the dilapidated temple, restoring its roof
span and significance.
Church of Our Lady Na Slovanech /15/
The Slavic Benedictines monastery with the Church of the Virgin
Mary, St Jerome, Cyril and Methodius, and Adalbert and Procopius
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The New Town and Vyšehrad
held a very specific role in Charles’ Prague. It was founded in
November 1347 as the only monastery with Slavic rites in Western
Christendom, “trial run” by the Croatian monks that Charles IV
brought to Prague from the Benedictine Abbey of the island of
Pašman near Zadar. They served the Roman Liturgy in the Old
Church Slavonic tongue, and under Charles’ concept were a symbolic
bridge between Western and Eastern Christianity, one of his
aspirations.
The magnificent monastery church, devoted to the Virgin Mary and
Slavic patrons, was consecrated in the presence of the Emperor on
Easter Monday in the year 1372. Drawing on the Gospel account of
Jesus’ journey and meeting his disciples in Emmaus, which was read
at the occasion, the monastery became known as Emmaus. The
monastery quickly became a centre of Slavic liturgy and survived
unscathed through the Hussite wars.
Its history is remarkable, relating both to its Beuron decoration
and due to events during World War II, when the area was heavily
damaged by Allied bombing. Its present and very interesting
appearance is the result of extensive post-war reconstruction.
Singular in Europe are its Gothic frescoes in the cloister, called the
Emmaus cycle, that takes us back to the reign of Charles IV.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and of
St Charlemagne /16/
The Augustinian canonry with the Church of the Virgin Mary and of
St Charlemagne was founded by Emperor Charles IV in 1350. The
Gothic centrepiece has its place on the highest elevated point of
the New Town, on the hill opposite Vyšehrad, which was thus given
the honorific name Karlov – Mons Caroli Sancti. The consecration of
the Church refers to the beatification of the Emperor Charlemagne,
whom Charles IV was related to and saw as his personal and
monarchic role model. By this extraordinary temple, Prague was
connected with the city of Aachen, where the Kings of the Romans
were crowned. The Church was in fact built according to the layout
of the temple in which Charles IV was garlanded with the Crown of
Rome in 1349. It took a whole 27 years before the Church was largely
25
The New Town and Vyšehrad
finished and consecrated. The original form of the temple has been
retained only partly, but it is still a remarkable work of Charles’
Prague.
The Church of St Catherine /17/
The Augustinian monastery with its Church of St Catherine was
another temple of the New Jerusalem. Charles IV founded it in 1355
and the consecration was, once again, not at all arbitrary. Saint
Catherine of Alexandria was held in much esteem by Charles. The
Monarch believed that her intercession had won him the nearlost battle of San Felice on 25 November 1332. He did not forget
his patroness when founding this New Town temple in Prague.
Of the original Gothic church only the tall steeple tower remains.
Otherwise, it is predominantly the work of the Baroque architect
Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
The Church of St Apollinaire /18/
The set of five key temples includes this unmissable hilltop church
at Větrov. It was founded by Emperor Charles IV in 1362, along with
the collegiate chapter transferred from Sadská in Eastern Bohemia.
The consecration of the Church to St Apollinaire refers to the Italian
Ravenna, where, tradition tells us, Apollinaris was the first bishop.
The Church dedicated to his name in Prague creates a spiritual
connection with Ravenna, a place which in the 5th century was the
seat of Roman emperors and whose Basilica di Sant’ Apollinare in
Classe architecturally inspired the Prague shrine.
The New Town and Vyšehrad
Church of Our Lady Na trávníčku /19/
The monastery of the Servite alms order, and the Church of the
Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Na trávníčku (also known as Na
Slupi) were also founded by Charles IV, in 1360. Legend has it, the
Emperor so promised before the Virgin Mary’s depiction in the
Florentine monastery of the Servite order, giving thanks for his
restored health. Charles IV held the Marian devotional cult in special
reverence and dedicated a number of shrines accordingly. This
temple is remarkable for its rectangular ground plan and for the
most leaning tower in Prague. Even despite its partial neo-Gothic
refit in the 19th century the building remains a significant example
of the architectural and spiritual intentions of Charles.
Yet the founding of the New Town of Prague was not just about
the aforementioned symbolism. Older parishes located on the
newly commandeered territory were respected and included. Two
new parish churches were built, dividing the unusually large territory
into two parts.
The Church of St Stephen /20/
The parish church of the upper part of the New Town was built in
the 2nd half of the 14th century and entrusted to the order of the
Knights of the Cross with the Red Star. Worth a mention is its being
the only order originating from the Czech Lands and moreover a
male order founded by a woman – St Agnes of Bohemia. The land
around the Church used to be the largest cemetery in the New Town
of Prague.
The Church of St Henry and Kunhuta /21/
The parish church of the lower part of the New Town was
consecrated in 1351 by the Prague Archbishop, Arnošt of Pardubice.
This shrine was entrusted to the Crusaders, from whom Charles IV
acquired most of the land for the New Town. The Church was
consecrated in honour of the Roman imperial couple Henry II and
his wife Kunhuta. An interesting dedication once again, this time
referencing not only the Imperial tradition, but also the only Patron
Saint of the Luxembourg dynasty.
Marketplaces were a major aspect of the New Town. The
Horse market (Wenceslas square), The Grain market (Senovážné
square) and the Cattle market (Karlovo square) astounded with
their unprecedented size, in the case of the central Cattle market
extending over 8 hectares (20 acres). No wonder the New Town Hall
came to be built right here.
New Town Hall /22/
As is clear from its timing, Charles IV supported the construction of
the New Town Hall, featuring a massive corner tower, as the seat of
local government. The supremely Gothic architecture of the Great
Hall with its original arches and columns as well as the remnants
of Gothic wall paintings bear this out; one of the most beautiful
interiors of medieval Prague.
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The New Town and Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad /23/
This Royal Castle and legendary Czech site, associated with the
first ruler of the Přemyslid dynasty, played a key role in Charles’
ideas. Vyšehrad stood for the continuity of the Přemyslid dynasty,
which the Luxembourgs joined when ascending to the Czech throne.
Charles’ beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth, died there in 1330. Also,
under the new coronation regulations, every incumbent Czech
King was to stop there in prayer on the eve of his coronation. The
Vyšehrad acropolis was connected to the New Town in the 1350s,
with a rebuilding of the chapter-house Church of Sts Peter and Paul,
whose symbolic conjoining to the cross of Heavenly Jerusalem
underscored this site’s significance.
“What Augustus did for Rome, Charles IV did for the Capital of Bohemia“
(Uberto Decembrio, 1399)
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National Gallery in Prague / Waldstein Riding School / 15 / 5—25 / 9 / 2016
Emperor Charles IV
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